NC Black Community Archives

Preston Blakely: My grandmother, still fighting for the right to vote

by Preston Blakely | May 8, 2026 | Black Community, U.S. Politics, Voting

A Black mayor in Western North Carolina reflects on a conversation with his grandmother, who fought for civil rights and the Voting Rights Act 50 years ago. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision last week, that fight continues. By Preston Blakely Beacon Media...

Preston Blakely: My grandmothers couldn’t vote freely. I’m now the Mayor.

by Preston Blakely | Jul 12, 2025 | Black Community, Elections, Local Organizing, Local Politics, North Carolina, Preston Blakely, Western North Carolina

Mayor Preston Blakely of Fletcher, N.C., reflects on his legacy and the struggle for Civil Rights that he inherited from his family.

Preston Blakely: My grandmother, still fighting for the right to vote

Preston Blakely: My grandmothers couldn’t vote freely. I’m now the Mayor.

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